Tummy Tuck Redo to Fix Bulge and Belly Button?

I had an umbilicus hernia repair with mesh along with diastasis recti repair. I feel that my stomach bulges in the area of the umbilicus, because perhaps the plastic surgeon didn't know how to suture the diastasis recti while strengthening stomach muscles in the area of the umbilicus hernia repair?

Additionally, my abs are very asymmetrical and lumpy. Do you still think that a revision tummy tuck or "component separation" surgery would be helpful here? Could it help make my abdomen look more normal? Do you think my belly button can ever be repaired? Thanks again for all your help.

Doctor Answers 13

Revision Tummy Tuck

October 22nd, 2009

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You really need to see a plastic surgeon to evaluate things. It is very difficult to tell just by the photo what is exactly going on. You may need some tests like a CT scan to look at thinks more close.

Redo tummy tuck

October 21st, 2009

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Just by your picture and your story it is impossible to give a good answer. Cannot tell what components are causing the apparent bulge that the picture seems to show. Your best bet is to see your plastic surgeon or another one to have the whole siteation evaluated in person.

Re-repairing a tummy tuck

October 21st, 2009

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It is possible that you could entirely redo the operation and inprove the result. The reason yours went wrong is either that you went to the wrong surgeon or that your body either has too much pressure within the abdominal cavity (ie you need to lose weight) or the tissues are particularly thin and can't stay tightened, or that you have a chronic cough, or that you didn't give your abdominal muscles a full 8 weeks to gain their healed strenght before stressing them. The answer lies in that list. Some of it you can control, some you can't.

Tummy Tuck Revision Pictures

Revisional Tummy Tuck Surgery

April 8th, 2014

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Persistent abdominal bulges
following abdminoplasty can occur for a variety of reasons. When this situation arises a careful
analysis of the problem is necessary before proceeding with revisional
surgery. Possible explanations
include inadequate resection of excess skin, inadequate tightening of the
muscles, persistent laxity of the muscles, intra-abdominal fat, residual
subcutaneous fat and separation of the muscle repair.

Depending on the cause of the
post-surgical abdominal bulge, revisional abdominoplasty
may be indicated. Under these
circumstances the muscles can be tightened and excess skin removed. In some cases weight loss may be more
appropriate, while in other cases ancillary procedures such as liposuction may
be indicated.

It’s virtually impossible to know
what option is best for you without performing a physical examination.

Your pictures suggest tight
abdominal skin in the presence of a significant abdominal bulge. This might be secondary to an
abnormality of the abdominal wall or increased intra-abdominal contents. This can be evaluated by CT scan.

It’s important to get an opinion
from a board certified plastic surgeon before proceeding with
intervention. Revisional surgery
shouldn’t be undertaken for at least six months following the original
procedure.

Recurrent anterior abdominal wall laxity

July 5th, 2013

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You did not mention how long ago your surgery was performed. It does appear that you have a sizable abdominal bulge and more than just a small peri-umbilical hernia. If your abdominal fascia was extremely lax and of poor quality it is likely that you have a recurrence. You need to be examined by a plastic surgeon to determine what needs to be repaired to flatten your abdomen.

Tummy Tuck to fix Umbilicus

October 24th, 2009

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You have an amazing amount of abdominal protrusion yet it is not indicative of a pseudoherniation from rectus diastasis. In fact from the picture it appears that you have very little muscle to the abdominal wall. Without muscular tone there is not much that a surgeon can do for you. You will need to start with a physical therapist first then eventually a trainer. You can achieve a good abdomen but now it is up to you not a surgical procedure. Your surgeons did the best they could with what they had to work with.

Redo Tummy Tuck

October 21st, 2009

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From your photo it appears that either you have a recurrent hernia or depending on your height and weight that you may need to get closer to your ideal body weight before having any further surgery. Of course it is difficult to give a complete answer from a limited photo. I would highly recommend returning to your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns and review your before and after photos to see how you have progressed. This is a complex issue and needs an in-person evaluation and discussion.

Repair of an abdominal hernia

October 21st, 2009

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It looks like you may have a recurrent abdominal hernia. I would recommend obtaining a CT scan of your abdomen to determine whether or not you have a hernia and if so how large it is. Hernias may recur after initial repair, and if so they may require a stronger revision. This may include component separation as you had indicated. The repair may need to be bolstered with a dermal allograft as well. This should help the contour of your abdomen and the appearance of your umbilicus. Good luck!

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.